Ship Rock, NM: Anyone ever been?

https://www.reddit.com/r/EarthPorn/comments/8my2jz/shiprock_nm_located_in_the_navajo_nation_it_is_a/

 

Drive by a bunch, but pretty sure you can't get too close or camp there. Pretty cool formation though, as well as the others like it in the monument valley area.

 

A lot of people on reddit were saying that its "officially closed" but apparently the locals don't care if you check it out as long as you're not trashing the place. I was just curious.

These types of landmarks are fascinating to me because my state is mostly just rolling hills. Not much to look at.

 

Gotcha, I have never tried to get close, but if you can it would definitely be worth it. There is a ton of cool geology in that area worth exploring.

 

Geology is (literally) everywhere!

 

If you do come out to the area, I would recommend the following route:

• I-40 to Window Rock (via Lupton)
• Then head north on Navajo Rt 12
• Then east on Navajo Rt 13 to US Rt 491
• US Rt 491 (formerly US Rt 666) will take you to the town of Shiprock NM

I have family on the Navajo Reservation that is close (relatively) to this area and this is a beautiful drive to take.
It's a long one though, about 2.75 hours just driving for what I have outlined above.

 

Thank you, sir!

 

Yes! I've been there two times. It is a sight to behold. I climbed up the nearby Roof Butte to the south and got more views at elevation.

 

Wow, awesome pictures! I've been thinking about planning a trip with my buddy. How much ground clearance did you need? Do you think a WRX could make it?